The Chinese navy repeatedly warned the U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon plane to leave airspace around disputed islands in the South China Sea. "Foreign military aircraft, this is Chinese navy. You are approaching our military alert zone. Leave immediately," a Chinese naval officer warned the U.S. plane, "Your action is unfriendly and dangerous. Please go away quickly."

U.S. Sailors assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 45 conduct flight operations aboard a P-8A Poseidon over the Spratly Islands in South China Sea, May 20. VP-45 is on deployment supporting U.S. 7th Fleet operations in the Pacific.

Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Scott.

It sounds like most or possibly all of this was on guard frequency 121.500

I have to smile - they get pretty cross when the Russians fly down own coast. They request the ground station to identify themselves, and sidestep identification of who they are, perfectly. They know exactly the correct phrases to use. It's a kind of chess game with both sides knowing the routine. I love the TV strap line = Chinese Military confront US SPY PLANE - my bold and underlining. It's kind of like complaining that your neighbour doesn't like being spied on while in their bathroom.

You just get away with what you get away with - but it's hardly worthy of the news.